In 1984, Shelley joined the cast of the nighttime sitcom Night Court for its second season (replacing Paula Kelly). She was cast to play public defender Christine Sullivan and the character was going to be romantically involved with Judge Harry Stone (played by Harry Anderson). "I know that she's a lawyer and she's supposed to be funny," Shelley said in one interview. "I think I'm supposed to have a love interest somewhere along the line with Judge Harry Stone," she added. Shelley was looking forward to doing the series. She said, "It especially appeals to me because of the ensemble aspect. It should be like doing mini-theater." By then, Shelley had received glowing reviews for her past performances in the plays Vanities, Close Ties and Born Yesterday. She had also received positive reviews for her performance in the 1983 Martin Scorsese feature film The King of Comedy opposite Robert De Niro.
